Tarry Bank Ranch will be the home of a new, environmentally green Montessori school for area children. Set to open in January, Tarry Bank Montessori will offer kids ages 18 months to four years a unique opportunity to learn developmental and life skills in a totally green environment.

The school is the dream and creation of Hallie Pinson, a certified Montessori teacher whose family has owned the 1,750-acre ranch for three generations. Four years ago she realized that she wanted to share its beauty and benefits with children, to teach future generations about nature by giving them access to it at its most pristine.

"The setting is very special,” said Pinson. "My love of this land since childhood and my experiences here made me long to share the rich, wonderful time of hours outside, exploring the beautiful Texas Hill Country."

The school house is under construction on a bluff overlooking a little valley. "The building is as free from environmental hazards and toxicity as I can make it," said Pinson of the 1,440-square-foot building. The architect, Andres Shulz of Austin, incorporated several environmentally supportive innovations into the design: the agriboard construction (compressed straw bale) walls are fully insulated; all interior paint is non-toxic; cedar is used for mulch for the playground; a durable metal roof facilitates rain water harvesting; flooring is natural linoleum called marmoleum.

The open design creates a home-like atmosphere in which students can gain essential skills. The Montessori philosophy recognizes children's innate ability to teach themselves, given the proper stimulation. It emphasizes that everything in the home can be a teaching. "With this method, children develop through performing every day tasks that require hand and eye coordination, such as cleaning, polishing silver, helping prepare snacks, and sweeping," Pinson said. "Maria Montessori, the founder, knew that at key ages these activities build neural pathways that are essential for learning life skills such as math, reading and writing."

Pinson added that fresh air, sunshine and a nourishing relationship with nature are also necessary components of the Montessori approach. The curriculum makes ample room for outside play and activities like gardening, bird feeding, painting, sandbox, climbing, balancing and going for walks.

 Pinson's dream is that Tarry Bank kids will grow up to take care of the environment. "We're mostly alienated from nature in our culture," she said. "Our children and grandchildren are losing the connection and they won't take care of the environment if they don't appreciate it. My intention is that this school will give them that appreciation." 

Pinson will teach toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years, and Angie Jones, a certified Montessori primary teacher, will teach students ages 3 to 4.

For more information call (210) 323-9099 or visit the Web site www.tarrybankkids.com.